East Coast Adventures

06/18/2026

06/14/2026

We have 3 local races coming up in Monroe County itself that we could really use a few ice sponsors for. These events are all in July and August and are 24hr events. Includes signage at events by the coolers the entire event( Great for pics), logo on shirts and tons of social media shoutout. Locations are Madisonville, Tellico Plains and Vonore. We can send any information needed and would love the support on these 🔥 events

06/03/2026

In just ONE WEEK we’ll be teaming up to bring you a Global Running Day celebration like no other! This isn’t just a celebration day for runners, it’s a day for our entire community to celebrate movement together. Bring a friend or come prepared to make a ton b/c we will have over 13 local run groups showing up for you to meet! We’ll have a group run starting at 6pm, but the fun will go on for as long as you decide…see you soon!

05/20/2026

Legend Status: The Cherokee Ultra Course Records 🏆⛰️
The bar has been set. As we gear up for the 2026 Cherokee Ultra on July 18th, it’s time to look at the blistering efforts that currently define these trails.

Whether you’re chasing a podium or just trying to beat the sun, these are the marks to keep in your sights.

☠️ The 130K Records (The Endurance crown)
With close to 20,000 feet of gain, the 130K is a true test of grit and endurance. These two haven't just finished; they've mastered the mountain:
• Men’s Record: Luke Bollschweiler | 17:23:19 (’25)
• Women’s Record: Shannon Wheeler Deboef | 19:01:06 (’25)

⚡ The 70K Records (The Mountain speed Test)
10,000 feet of climbing in 46ish miles is no easy feat. These records show what’s possible when you leave it all on the technical singletrack:
• Women’s Record: Katie Jackson | 8:18:38 (’25)
• Men’s Record: Matt Cook | 8:32:20 (’24)

🌲 What to Shoot For in 2026?
"Waucheesi ain't easy," but history is made by those who show up and show out.
Here’s your 2026 mission:
• The Double Buckle: Can you join the ranks of Brian Vermillion who is the only person to finish the 130K twice?
• Be the '26 Benchmark: With the addition of the Waucheesi Challenge (24M) this year, the inaugural course record is officially up for grabs. Who will be the first to claim it? We have our eyes on a few individuals 👀
• Beat the Cutoff: In these mountains, finishing is a victory. Beat that infamous 26-hour cutoff (130K) or 16-hour cutoff (70K) to earn your place in the story of these mountains and cross that finish line!

Training is in full swing. We’ll see you in Tellico Plains.

What's your goal?

CAN YOU ENDURE?

Forest

📸
dawns

05/19/2026

The Cherokee Ultra: Meet the Waucheesi Challenge! ⛰️🏃‍♂️
If you haven't heard by now, we have officially added a brand new distance to the lineup: The Waucheesi Challenge.

If you’ve been wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the Cherokee National Forest but aren't quite ready to tackle the full ultra distances, this is the race for you.
You'll find out why we say

The Details:
• Distance: 24 Miles
• Elevation: 4,500 ft plus of climbing
• The Goal: A literal peak experience. This course takes you straight to the tallest point of the entire race, Waucheesi and back.
• Five aid stations.
• Four total River crossings.

This is the perfect "middle ground" for runners who want to test their lungs and legs on a beautiful climb without the big mileage. You get the views, the river crossings, the vert, and the incredible atmosphere of the Cherokee National Forest in one epic out and back
💥 When: July 18th
📍 Where: Tellico Plains, TN
🔗 Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129276

Are you up for the challenge? Can you endure?

Tag your running partner who needs to see this!

CherokeeNationalForest WaucheesiIsntEasy AltraRunning StayOutThere RunTennessee

05/15/2026

THANK YOU! 🩵

East Coast Adventures is truly honored to receive the 2026 Tourism Award from the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce and Monroe County Tourism.

This award belongs to every runner who has lined up at a starting line at any of our three Monroe County events: 17.76 Merica, Fort Frenzy Ultra Festival, and The Cherokee Ultra. To every volunteer who has spent a long night at an aid station, spent numerous hours cooking or checking in runners, and every partner/sponsor who believes in our mission, local and afar!

You guys are what continues to help these events grow and be shared with more individuals. Our goal has always been to build more than just races, we want to build a community, a family that enjoys our backyard just like we do!

Thank you for helping us put our home on the map as a premier destination for adventure. We share this win with all of you! 🌲🤝🏆

Thank you ECA FAMILY!

05/12/2026

A short video from this weekends group run. 🌄🏞

Some ran 8, some ran 12, and others endured 20 miles on the BMT/John Muir trail. ☠️

It was a great group, some of these individuals have finished the 70k and now have their sights set on the 130k!

Next group run for awhile will be this Saturday from Highway 68 through Unicoi Gap and back, roughly 20 miles with incredible views at Buck Bald.

You can find it on Strava and Facebook.

Can you endure?






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